Work Integrated Learning (WIL)—an umbrella term for work-based activities undertaken by university students as part of their learning experience—is viewed by both industry and universities as a key means for increasing graduate work readiness. However, while employers question the work readiness of Australian graduates WIL is currently underutilised in Australia across many disciplines and industry sectors. Employers are particularly critical of the inability of graduates to link the theoretical aspects of their degree with the practical realities of work.

Within that context, this report provides new information on WIL from the perspective of employers. It identifies: the extent to which employers participate in WIL; the industries in which it is most common; the conditions that support their participation; and the value they attach to the WIL experiences of those they employ. The report also provides evidence of the barriers, benefits and enablers to employer participation in WIL.